The Story Behind N.H.P.
Around 2013 or 2014, I began noticing strong reactions from people around me. People nearby would sneeze, cough, step away, or make comments suggesting there was an odor present. I was confused because I could not smell or understand what they were reacting to.
At first, I tried not to think too much about it. I kept telling myself it would go away.
But as time passed, it kept happening, and no matter where I went, it seemed to follow me. Eventually, I started to realize that I was the common denominator.
I maintained normal hygiene practices, showered daily, used deodorant, and took care of myself. Despite this, the reactions continued, even from people that were close to me.
As time went on, school became one of the hardest places to be.
There was gossip, whispers, and reactions that I couldn't escape. The shame became so overwhelming that I began skipping school, eating lunch alone in the bathroom, and missing many of my classes just to avoid being around other people.
Eventually, I began researching and discovered that other people around the world were experiencing similar unexplained odor conditions. I realized this was not simply a hygiene issue. Many people were struggling with symptoms that seemed to come from internal biological causes rather than poor hygiene.
I started seeking medical help and made appointments with different specialists in hopes of finding answers. Despite years of searching, I still do not have a clear diagnosis or effective medical guidance.
Over the years, I have made significant changes to my diet in an attempt to manage the condition and avoid reactions from others. Today, I still live with the consequences of those choices, including brain fog, low blood sugar, weight changes, nutritional deficiencies, and a fear of eating certain foods that I notice trigger reactions from people. Beyond the physical effects, the constant stress, food anxiety, and uncertainty have also taken a toll on my mental and emotional health.
Years later, while I was working, I had a moment of direct confirmation for the first time.
Someone in a position of authority at work approached me and asked if I was wearing something, explaining that several people had complained about me carrying a strong scent that was making them nauseous and giving them headaches
That moment did not mark the beginning of my experience, but it was the first time someone directly acknowledged what I had been dealing with for years. Until then, everything had been indirect reactions, distance, gossip, and silence but never openly confirmed to me.
Hearing it said out loud brought a strange mix of emotions. It was difficult, but it also confirmed that what I had been experiencing was real, even though I still did not have answers.
After that moment, I felt pushed to revisit something I had paused for a while: advocating again and trying to make sure people with similar experiences were not left without a voice.
One of the hardest parts of living with this condition is not just the reactions from other people. It is the lack of answers and support.
Many people spend years seeking medical help, only to be told nothing is wrong, that it may be anxiety, or that the problem is all in their head. Meanwhile, they are the ones living with the consequences every day.
People lose jobs. They withdraw from school. They avoid relationships. They isolate themselves from family and friends. Many struggle to maintain their independence, confidence, and quality of life while continuing to search for answers.
The shame can be overwhelming.
It is difficult to describe what it feels like to repeatedly experience reactions from others while being unable to find effective medical help or a clear explanation for what is happening. For many sufferers, the condition affects nearly every part of life, yet they often face the journey alone.
What changed everything for me was realizing I was not alone.
I discovered that there were many others experiencing similar struggles and facing the same barriers to understanding, support, and medical investigation.
That realization is what led me to create N.H.P. (Not a Hygiene Problem).
N.H.P. was created to raise awareness of chronic unexplained odor conditions, encourage greater medical attention and research, and help people feel seen, heard, and understood.
No one should have to suffer in silence, question their own reality, or navigate these challenges alone.